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Help is available to make your veterinary education more affordable.
Financial Aid
St. George’s University offers loans to help you address the cost of vet school.
The Office of Financial Aid administers the financial aid available to SGU students, including federal student aid, and student loans. We also help students in financial planning, debt management counseling, and with the completion of financial aid applications.
Contact Us
Financial Aid Counselors can be reached Monday through Friday from 9 am–5 pm (Eastern)
US/Canada Toll-free
1 (800) 899-6337 ext. 1232
Worldwide
+1 (631) 665-8500 ext. 1232
Email
faid@sgu.edu
Student Loans
The majority of students earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) who use financial aid do so in the form of student loans that are to be repaid after completion of the degree.
For US Citizens and Permanent Residents
US Federal Student Loans
US Federal Student Loans are only available for the Four-Year DVM portion of all dual degrees. Students are not eligible for US Federal Loans if enrolled in courses outside of Grenada or the US at any point during the DVM program and for any subsequent enrollment thereafter.
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program consists of the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. The maximum loan amount for which a student is eligible may not exceed the cost of attendance (as defined by St. George’s University) less any other financial aid received for the academic period in which the student is enrolled. Eligible students can borrow up to $20,500 per academic year from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan not to exceed an overall aggregate amount borrowed of $138,500. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan program is used to bridge the gap between the Unsubsidized Loans and the remaining cost of attendance. Students must not have an adverse credit history in order to qualify for a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan. The Direct PLUS loan does not have an aggregate limit.
Students may choose to pay the interest while attending school. If allowed to accrue, interest will be capitalized (added to the principal balance) at the beginning of the repayment period. The interest rate for all Unsubsidized loans with a first disbursement on or after July 1, 2025 is fixed at 7.94%. The interest rate for all Grad PLUS loans with a first disbursement on or after July 1, 2025 is fixed at 8.94%. The student will also be required to pay a pre-disbursement loan origination fee on the amount borrowed. Effective October 1, 2021 the fee will be 1.057% on Unsubsidized loans and 4.228% on Direct PLUS loans. These fees will be deducted from the amount borrowed and will be reflected in the disbursements issued to the student’s account.
Loans are typically processed for an academic year and are disbursed in two installments. Disbursements typically occur 10 days before the start of an academic term. For example, if a student requests a $20,500 Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the Department of Education will release half the requested amount, less loan fees, any applicable fees for the first term of the academic year, and release the second half of the approved amount (less fees) 10 days before the start of the second term. Loan funds are disbursed to the student’s account and if a credit balance is created, the credit will be refunded to the student by check or direct deposit, typically within 5 business days.
Under the Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loan programs, the student is responsible for all accruing interest and may choose to repay the interest while in school or defer it until repayment begins. Upon graduation, a grace period is applied automatically to your Federal Direct loans. The grace period is a one time 6-month period during which no payments are required, although interest will continue to accrue on these loans. If a student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (withdraws or takes a leave of absence), the 6-month grace period would apply in most circumstances. Students who withdraw, drop below five (5) credits or graduate must complete online Exit Counseling if they have received any Federal Loans. The Exit Counseling will provide you with your federal loan history and will inform you of your repayment options.
Repayment on these loans begins 6 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The amount of your monthly repayment is calculated based upon the total amount that you have borrowed, as well as the repayment plan that you choose. Visit the Federal Student Loan page to learn about repayment plans and to use the loan simulator. The Loan Simulator will help find the best repayment strategy for you.
Students can apply for US federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. When completing the FAFSA, be sure to enter the appropriate school code. The SGU School of Veterinary Medicine federal school code is G39743. Students will also need to complete an Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Notes in order to complete the application process.
To receive Direct Loans, recipients must be either permanent residents or citizens of the United States, be enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine at least half-time, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and not be in default on any prior U.S. government guaranteed loan. These guidelines are subject to statutory and/or regulatory changes in the U.S. Higher Education Act and the Title IV Program Regulations. For details on how to apply, click here.
Students borrowing federal loans can complete the Title IV Authorization form online through their SGU Student Self Service account. This will allow the Office of the Bursar to apply your federal loan proceeds toward non-tuition charges such as books and health insurance in order to satisfy your student account.
Private Educational Loans
Private educational lenders in the United States offer students at St. George’s University alternate loans. US Students can apply for these loans to meet all or part of their cost of attendance. Some lenders may also offer private loan programs for parents, guardians, sponsors, or other individuals who wish to borrow on behalf of the student to help fund their education. These private loan programs are all credit-based and are offered only to borrowers who have a satisfactory credit history as determined by the lender. The loans may have a fixed or variable interest rate that is tied to an index, such as LIBOR or PRIME, plus a margin. The interest rates and fees you pay on a private student loan are based on your credit score and the credit score of your cosigner, if applicable. These loans have repayment terms that begin following graduation or withdrawal from school and may be able to be extended up to 25 years.
The Office of Financial Aid at SGU provides extensive financial aid counseling services to students in order to help them understand the eligibility requirements, terms and conditions.
St. George’s University does not prefer, recommend, promote, endorse, or suggest any lenders. You are not required to borrow from any of the lenders appearing on these lists and there is no penalty for selecting a different lender, if available.
For Canadian Citizens
Federal Loans, Provincial Loans & Federal Grants
St. George’s University is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, entitling most students to the ability to receive Canadian Federal loans, Provincial loans and Federal grants.
The Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) offers financial assistance to full-time and part-time students pursuing post-secondary education in the form of loans, grants and repayment assistance. The CSLP delivers student financial assistance in partnership with most provinces and territories. Quebec and the Northwest Territories operate their own programs.
These loans are interest-subsidized by the Canadian government while the student is enrolled in school and maintaining satisfactory academic progress as determined by the individual province. Below you will find a comprehensive list of available funding by Province. To supplement the financing of their education, students usually apply for a professional line of credit available through the banks in Canada. Credit lines can be approved for between $150,000 and $500,000, depending on the bank you choose to apply with. Please note all banks will require a co-signer.
St. George’s University is committed to ensuring that students are aware of all of their financial aid options. We have designated a counselor to work directly with Canadian students to address their questions and needs. For more information, please contact ISFA@sgu.edu.
Veterans Benefits
St. George’s University is a participant in the Department of Veteran Affairs Educational Programs. Only students who were a uniformed service member, veteran, veteran’s dependent, surviving spouse, or child of a deceased veteran, and are registered in the MD or DVM Program are eligible for VA Benefit.
VA Education Programs
The following is a list of Veteran Affair benefit programs that the SGU MD or DVM program is eligible for:
- Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty
- Chapter 32 – Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 34 – GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 – Dependents Educational Assistance program DEA
- Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Selective Reserves
- Chapter 1607 – Reserve Educational Assistance Program REAP
Initiating Veterans Benefits at SGU
Submit the appropriate application form listed below to the VA:
- Student should compare VA education benefits and review payment rates by utilizing the Comparison Tool.
- Apply for benefit through the VA using the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP).
- Submit Certificate of Eligibility to an SGU School Certifying Official (see contact information below).
Receiving Veterans Benefits at SGU
After you have initiated your Veterans Benefits at SGU, a School Certifying Official will contact you at the beginning of each term. Once your enrollment has already been certified for a term in the current VA year, you will not be automatically certified for another term, unless you request otherwise. You will receive an automatic electronic notification from the VA after your enrollment has been certified. Payment of benefit can take up to two to four weeks after it is certified. Eligibility and payment amounts are determined by the VA and not by SGU.
Please access visit the VA’s Rate Tables for the various benefit programs.
Informational Links
Contact Us
For Veterans Benefits questions, please reach out to:
Joshua Rivera
St. George’s University Certifying Official/Financial Aid Counselor
Phone: (631) 665-8500 Ext. 1675
Phone:
1-800-899-6337 / 631-665-8500 Ext. 1391
Email:
faid@sgu.edu
Financial Aid
St. George’s University offers loans to help you address the cost of vet school.
The Office of Financial Aid administers the financial aid available to SGU students, including federal student aid, and student loans. We also help students in financial planning, debt management counseling, and with the completion of financial aid applications.
Contact Us
Financial Aid Counselors can be reached Monday through Friday from 9 am–5 pm (Eastern)
US/Canada Toll-free
1 (800) 899-6337 ext. 1232
Worldwide
+1 (631) 665-8500 ext. 1232
Email
faid@sgu.edu
Student Loans
The majority of students earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) who use financial aid do so in the form of student loans that are to be repaid after completion of the degree.
For US Citizens and Permanent Residents
US Federal Student Loans
US Federal Student Loans (Updated to Include One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Changes Effective July 1, 2026)
Available for the Four-Year DVM portion of all dual degrees. St. George’s University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. These loans are available to US students who are US citizens or US permanent residents in the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Direct Loan Programs
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program currently consists of the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and, through June 30, 2026, the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. The maximum loan amount for which a student is eligible may not exceed the cost of attendance (as defined by St. George’s University) less any other financial aid received.
Eligible Legacy students can borrow up to $20,500 per academic year in Unsubsidized Loans, not to exceed the Subsidized/Unsubsidized aggregate limit of $138,500.
Important Upcoming Changes Under OBBBA (Effective July 1, 2026)
Beginning July 1, 2026, significant federal student loan changes take effect under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA):
Elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans
- Graduate PLUS Loans will no longer be available for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026.
- Students who started at SGU, are continuously enrolled, have not reached their expected completion date and borrowed a Direct Federal Loan before July 1, 2026, may retain access to the previous program rules for up to three additional academic years as “legacy borrowers.”
New Borrowing Limits for Graduate/Professional Students
For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026:
- Professional programs (including DVM): capped at $50,000 per academic year and $200,000 aggregate limit.
- Lifetime Aggregate Limit – The overall Federal lifetime borrowing cap limits cumulative federal student loan debt to $257,500. This aggregate cap includes all Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies, as well as past Perkins Loans and Graduate Plus Loans.
Repayment System Changes
As of July 1, 2026, federal student loan repayment options are simplified:
- Only two repayment plans remain for new borrowers:
- A revised Standard Repayment Plan (Tiered)
- The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which bases monthly payments on a sliding percentage (1–10%) of adjusted gross income and provides forgiveness after 30 years.
Legacy plans such as PAYE, ICR, and SAVE will no longer accept new enrollees and sunset by July 1, 2028. IBR is the only plan that will remain available to legacy borrowers as of this date.
Interest Rates
Students may choose to pay interest while attending school; otherwise, it will capitalize at repayment.
- Interest rates for Unsubsidized Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025: 7.94%
- Interest rates for Graduate PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025: 8.94%
(NOTE: Graduate PLUS ends for new loan borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.) - Interest rates for Unsubsidized Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026: 8.07%
- Interest rates for Graduate PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2026: 9.07%
(NOTE: Graduate PLUS ends for new loan borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.)
Loan origination fees (effective October 1, 2021):
- 1.057% on Unsubsidized Loans
- 4.228% on Graduate PLUS Loans
Disbursements & Refunds
Loans are typically processed for an academic year and disbursed in two installments, generally as early as 10 days before the start of each term. Loan funds are applied to the student’s account, and any resulting credit balance is refunded to the student by check or direct deposit within approximately 10 business days.
Grace Period & Exit Counseling
A one-time 6-month grace period is automatically applied after a student ceases at least half‑time enrollment. Online Exit Counseling is required for students who have borrowed a US Federal Student Loan and have withdrawn, dropped below five (5) credits, or graduated.
Repayment & Planning Tools
Repayment begins 6 months after students drop below half‑time enrollment. Monthly payment amounts depend on total borrowing and the selected repayment plan. Visit the Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans page to learn about repayment plans and to use the Repayment Calculator. The Repayment Calculator will help find the best repayment strategy for you.
Application Process
Students apply for federal loans through the FAFSA at studentaid.gov, using SGU School of Veterinary Medicine federal school code, G39743. Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Notes are required in order to complete the application process.
To borrow US federal loans, students must be US citizens or permanent residents, remain enrolled at least half-time in the 4-Year DVM program, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and not be in default on prior federal loans. These guidelines are subject to statutory and/or regulatory changes in the U.S. Higher Education Act and the Title IV Program Regulations. For details on how to apply, click here.
Title IV Authorization
Students borrowing US federal loans may complete a Title IV Authorization via their SGU Student Self Service account to allow the Office of the Bursar to apply federal loan funds toward non‑tuition charges such as books and health insurance.
SGU Federal Student Loan Updates: OBBBA Changes Effective July 1, 2026
This document provides an overview of current federal student loan rules and the upcoming changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), effective July 1, 2026.
Comparison Table: Current vs. New Rules
| Category | Current Rules | New OBBBA Rules (July 1, 2026) |
| Loan Types | Unsubsidized + Grad PLUS | Grad PLUS eliminated; only Unsubsidized |
| Professional Academic year limit | Grad PLUS up to COA. Fully funded if eligible. | $50,000 |
| Professional Aggregate | No federal cap | $200,000 |
| Federal Lifetime Aggregate | $138,500 for subsidized/unsubsidized loans | $257,500 for all federal loans borrowed |
| Repayment Plans | Multiple IDR plans | Only Standard + RAP |
| Income Driven Repayment Options | IBR, PAYE, ICR, SAVE | PAYE/ICR/SAVE closed for new borrowers; RAP primary and Standard |
| RAP | N/A | 1–10% AGI; 30-year forgiveness |
| Legacy Borrowers | N/A | Old rules up to 3 years or until expected completion of program whichever is less, for students who borrowed for the SGU DVM program prior to July 1, 2026 who maintain continuous enrollment. |
Private Educational Loans
Private educational lenders in the United States offer students at St. George’s University alternate loans. US Students can apply for these loans to meet all or part of their cost of attendance. Some lenders may also offer private loan programs for parents, guardians, sponsors, or other individuals who wish to borrow on behalf of the student to help fund their education. These private loan programs are all credit-based and are offered only to borrowers who have a satisfactory credit history as determined by the lender. The loans may have a fixed or variable interest rate that is tied to an index, such as LIBOR or PRIME, plus a margin. The interest rates and fees you pay on a private student loan are based on your credit score and the credit score of your cosigner, if applicable. These loans have repayment terms that begin following graduation or withdrawal from school and may be able to be extended up to 25 years.
The Office of Financial Aid at SGU provides extensive financial aid counseling services to students in order to help them understand the eligibility requirements, terms and conditions.
St. George’s University does not prefer, recommend, promote, endorse, or suggest any lenders. You are not required to borrow from any of the lenders appearing on these lists and there is no penalty for selecting a different lender, if available.
For Canadian Citizens
Federal Loans, Provincial Loans & Federal Grants
St. George’s University is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, entitling most students to the ability to receive Canadian Federal loans, Provincial loans and Federal grants.
The Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) offers financial assistance to full-time and part-time students pursuing post-secondary education in the form of loans, grants and repayment assistance. The CSLP delivers student financial assistance in partnership with most provinces and territories. Quebec and the Northwest Territories operate their own programs.
These loans are interest-subsidized by the Canadian government while the student is enrolled in school and maintaining satisfactory academic progress as determined by the individual province. Below you will find a comprehensive list of available funding by Province. To supplement the financing of their education, students usually apply for a professional line of credit available through the banks in Canada. Credit lines can be approved for between $150,000 and $500,000, depending on the bank you choose to apply with. Please note all banks will require a co-signer.
St. George’s University is committed to ensuring that students are aware of all of their financial aid options. We have designated a counselor to work directly with Canadian students to address their questions and needs. For more information, please contact ISFA@sgu.edu.
Veterans Benefits
St. George’s University is a participant in the Department of Veteran Affairs Educational Programs. Only students who were a uniformed service member, veteran, veteran’s dependent, surviving spouse, or child of a deceased veteran, and are registered in the MD or DVM Program are eligible for VA Benefit.
VA Education Programs
The following is a list of Veteran Affair benefit programs that the SGU MD or DVM program is eligible for:
- Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty
- Chapter 32 – Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 34 – GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 – Dependents Educational Assistance program DEA
- Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® – Selective Reserves
- Chapter 1607 – Reserve Educational Assistance Program REAP
Initiating Veterans Benefits at SGU
Submit the appropriate application form listed below to the VA:
- Student should compare VA education benefits and review payment rates by utilizing the Comparison Tool.
- Apply for benefit through the VA using the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP).
- Submit Certificate of Eligibility to an SGU School Certifying Official (see contact information below).
Receiving Veterans Benefits at SGU
After you have initiated your Veterans Benefits at SGU, a School Certifying Official will contact you at the beginning of each term. Once your enrollment has already been certified for a term in the current VA year, you will not be automatically certified for another term, unless you request otherwise. You will receive an automatic electronic notification from the VA after your enrollment has been certified. Payment of benefit can take up to two to four weeks after it is certified. Eligibility and payment amounts are determined by the VA and not by SGU.
Please access visit the VA’s Rate Tables for the various benefit programs.
Informational Links
Contact Us
For Veterans Benefits questions, please reach out to:
Joshua Rivera
St. George’s University Certifying Official/Financial Aid Counselor
Phone: (631) 665-8500 Ext. 1675
Phone:
1-800-899-6337 / 631-665-8500 Ext. 1391
Email:
faid@sgu.edu
Get in Touch
Contact admissions with your specific questions
Thank you for your interest in St. George’s University. We look forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you may have. Please fill out the form for the school of your choice, and a current student or St. George’s University representative will follow up with you.